ALTRINCHAM have exceeded all expectations this season but Wrexham midfielder Elliott Durrell wants an away win this evening to atone for a draw that felt like a defeat.

Durrell helped the Robins clinch promotion via the National League North play-offs last season before joining the Reds for a second spell, and Phil Parkinson’s side have picked up where they left off this term.

Although tipped to make an instant return to the sixth tier, Altrincham have proved the doubters wrong and go into tonight’s game at Moss Lane sitting fifth in the National League, and Durrell has nothing but praise for his former club.

“It is thoroughly deserved the position they are in, it is a top club,” said Durrell.

“They might not have the resources that other clubs have got at this level but it has got great infrastructure and people who are all pulling in the same direction, and very talented coaching staff who will undoubtedly go onto manage at a higher level.”

Altrincham registered a 1-0 win against Wrexham when the sides met at The Racecourse in December and Durrell admits the Reds weren’t ruthless enough in front of goal.

“We have not been clinical enough in a few games this season and it has come back to haunt us, and I don’t think that night was no different,” said Durrell.

“We have got to look to right the wrongs and we go there to try and avenge that defeat, and hopefully come back with three points.”

As well as trying to avenge that defeat, Wrexham will also be looking to get Saturday’s disappointing 2-2 draw at home to Dagenham and Redbridge out of the system.

The Reds were well in control but threw away a two-goal lead and missed out on the chance to climb into a play-off position, with Dean Keates’ side now ninth in the standings.

“It is tough but there is no time to mope about,” said Durrell.

“This level is about consistency and if you don’t put consistent performances together for 90 minutes, you will come unstuck. That is what happened on Saturday.

“It is great when you have a Tuesday game after a Saturday and what feels like a loss so hopefully we can put that right.

“If we win that will be eight points from four games, and three of them away, so that is not a bad return and you would have taken that.”

Durrell was an unused substitute against the Daggers, the third successive game that the 31-year-old has found himself on the bench.

Frustrated not to be in the starting XI, Durrell has vowed to take his chance when he gets it.

“I am disappointed that I am not in the team,” said Durrell.

“It is hard when you don’t have much of an opportunity to get back in the team; the way the games have been going, it has been difficult to make an attacking substitution.

“The experience that I have as a player and my age, I am an attacking player but I know how to see games out and my experience will be invaluable.

“It is just up to me when I get my chance to take it again.

“I don’t think I deserve to be out of the team but football changes quickly so you just have to be ready when your opportunity comes.

“When I am called upon, I will take my opportunity.”